Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Fort San Juan de Ulúa

“One of the greatest symbols of Mexico's modern history, its struggles, defeats and victories, sits on an island in the port of Veracruz. The mighty fortress of San Juan de Ulua evokes the spirit of excitement and adventure that marked the great swashbuckling era of sword fights and stowaways, the era of explorers and conquistadors.

The fort is also a testament to the importance of Veracruz, the first European city on the American mainland, which served as the main entrance to Mexico from the time of its founding in the sixteenth century until the advent of air travel in the twentieth century. All European and most North American trade and travel were conducted through the port of Veracruz until fifty or sixty years ago.”